Press releases

Brussels Airlines awarded by Belgian American Chamber of Commerce.

Friday, December 21, 2012New York / Brussels - Yesterday evening Brussels Airlines received the 2012 Entrepreneurship Award from Belcham (Belgian-American Chamber of Commerce). With this award Belcham rewards the successful launch of the Brussels Airlines Brussels-New York JFK route earlier this year. It is the fifth time Brussels Airlines receives an award this year.

The prize was awarded Saturday evening (New York time) to Brussels Airlines CEO Bernard Gustin during the 2012 Belcham Entrepreneurship Awards Gala Dinner held at the prestigious Harvard Club in Manhattan.

Despite the fact that Brussels Airlines only started its own operations to New York in June this year, the airline, as a Belgian ambassador, has already been promoting the trade relations between both countries for several years, since America is the most important non-EU trade partner for our country. Brussels Airlines has played an important role in the passenger traffic between America and Africa, until recently through partnerships with U.S. companies and since June with its first own operated route to the U.S.

With the launch of this daily scheduled service between Brussels and New York, the first trans-Atlantic route for Brussels Airlines and the return of a Belgian carrier to the United States after an absence of 10 years, the economic contribution of the airline has only increased.

The launch of this connection demonstrates entrepreneurship given the fact that this investment was done despite the turbulent economic times.

Positive balance

The first results are very positive. The New York service was well received by the market and Brussels Airlines came into a leading position on the route only one month after the inaugural flight. Passengers are also extremely pleased with the new long haul in-flight product (flat beds in Business Class, ergonomic seats in Economy Class and a new in-flight entertainment system) that Brussels Airlines introduced onboard the New York flights.

"We are delighted with this award from Belcham" says Brussels Airlines CEO Bernard Gustin. "This is an important recognition of our significant investments that have led to this first route to the U.S. and a superior in-flight product. It is a reward for the passionate commitment of all our employees. This award encourages us as an airline and as an ambassador for our country to continue our efforts to promote the trade relations between Belgium and the United States. "

Fifth award this year

The Belcham Entrepreneurship Award is the fifth award Brussels Airlines received this year. The new in-flight product was awarded the prestigious APEX award for ‘Best single Achievement in Passenger Experience” by the American travel industry two months ago.

The professional travel magazine Global Traveler ruled in August, on the basis of an international wine tasting competition, that Brussels Airlines serves the world’s best wine selection in its Business Class.

The Danish travel industry gave Brussels Airlines a second place for its new in-flight product during the annual Danish Travel Awards 2012

In April this year the Brussels Airport Company issued the Safety Award to Brussels Airlines for the many efforts the airline provides in terms of runway safety. The growth in passenger numbers on the European network was awarded by the Brussels Airport Company with the Network Development Award Short Haul Airline Award.